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The 2018 State of Motherhood survey offers insights into the attitudes, behaviors, identities and lifestyles of millennial mothers: the most highly educated, first digitally native generation of women to become mothers.

20% of millennials are already parents and millennial mothers account for 82% of birthsin America. A newstudyconducted byMotherly clarifies many of the misconceptions associated with these mothers. Motherly is a media company that generates 12 million unique weekly views (verified by Nielsen). Their 2018 State of Motherhood survey offers insights into the attitudes, behaviors, identities and lifestyle of millennial women: the most highly educated, first digitally native generation of women to become mothers. Over 5,700 U.S. millennial mom respondents were surveyed online to collect the data. Below are a few key points:

Defined By Motherhood:

72% of moms under 30 have at least one child. Furthermore, millennial moms under 30 also say they feel most strongly defined by motherhood.

White millennial moms over-index on having children at a younger age; 44% had kids between the ages of 26-30, compared to 43% of African Americans and 38% of Hispanics.

Implications: Millennial moms are the leaders of their family— their "tribe"— and consider their title a critical component of their identity. They're cognizant of the financial challenges associated with additional children in the household, but contribute to the household finances with a "can-do" attitude.

Mothers In Relationships:

89% of the majority of millennial women surveyed were married, but 20% of them feel becoming a parent pulled their relationship apart. This number was even higher for African American millennial moms (23%) and older millennial moms (21%).

White millennial moms are most concerned by a lack of time spent with their partner (53% vs 51%).

40% of Black millennial moms over-index for being concerned with different opinions on discipline (13% vs. 9%) and money (22% vs. 17%).

87% of moms say their partner has either scaled up or not changed their work since becoming a parent.

Implications: Millennial moms are dedicated and passionate about parenting, but sometimes don't feel they share that common interest with their partners. For example, unlike their partners, these mothers are more inclined to creatively adjust their work schedule.

The most important source of inspiration as a parent to moms under 30 is their family at 40%, followed by their faith at 32%.

35% of moms surveyed turn to family members for parenting challenges. Google searches and personal friends were also popular options.

Though 64% of these mothers spend up to three hours on their phones a day, 29% of African-American moms and 25% of moms under 30 spend up to five hours on their phones.

Implications: Perhaps as important as the tribes these millennial moms are raising, are the tribes they consult for parenting advice and emotional support. In true millennial fashion, these moms value authentic connections and turn to their internal network: those with whom they've built a trusting "judgement-free" relationship.

65% of mothers with one child have collaborative parenting styles (defined as solving problems with their children), whereas 28% of mothers with two or more children have hands-on parenting styles (defined as being very involved in directing their children).

When compared to other millennial moms, African-American moms over index in aiming to cultivate qualities in their children like respect (20%), open-mindedness (13%), intelligence (9%), braveness (7%), generosity and tolerance (3%).

Implications: As millennial moms expand their families, it becomes more difficult to collaborate with their children and incorporate each child's perspective into household decisions. Rather, they must become the authority and make firm decisions for their family— traits rejected most millennials. Furthermore, African American millennial moms are raising their children with specific qualities to discredit racial stereotypes and prepare them for common racial biases.

Christine Michel Carter is a global marketing strategist for innovative, category leading companies.christinemichelcarter.com